Tag Archives: fiberglass

How to Repair a Kayak

Here is a great solution to how to repair a kayak. I have tried many different ways to repair watersport equipment like kayaks and surfboards, and this by far is the best option. The product is actually not even meant for repairing such things, but it sure gets the job done. The product I am talking about is Finish Perfect. Finish Perfect is a two-part solution that when mixed together creates a very strong bonding epoxy which can successfully fix a crack in plastic. In order to use Finish Perfect effectively, one must prep and treat the kayak before applying it. This preparation, as demonstrated in the video above, will make or break your kayak.

As you will see in this video, the kayak’s previous owner attempted to fix the crack with another epoxy which left it a mess and with only a weak bond. Finish Perfect is more flexible when it cures compared to other repair methods like fiberglass. Fiberglass tends to be stiff and will crack over time, and it will also melt the plastic it’s applied to. Finish Perfect is primarily used for arts and crafts to preserve and protect project exteriors, but it also makes a fantastic flexible glue-type hold.

To prep your kayak for the Finish Perfect, use a very rough piece of sandpaper in and around the crack to give the solution something to grab onto. Be sure you wear a mask when sanding plastic. I used Vaseline along the crack on the outside of the kayak and then taped the crack. The Vaseline keeps the tape from sticking too much to the plastic. The tape allows me to V-out the crack a bit so that more Finish Perfect can get in there.

To help strengthen the repair, I also am going to use a small patch of fiberglass cloth on the inside of the kayak where the three-way part of the crack is. The Finish Perfect will adhere and strengthen this part so that it will not break again.

Leave questions or comments below about any projects you might want to use Finish Perfect for, and share your stories with me too. Also, feel free to share your own tips and tricks to repairing seemingly impossible things. Thanks for watching!